Not far from the bridge De la Vigne, Simon Turchi had a magnificent
dwelling, where the offices of the commercial house of Buonvisi were
situated; but he possessed also, at the extremity of the city,
pleasure-grounds, where in fine weather he was accustomed to invite his
friends and acquaintances to festivals, banquets, and concerts. His
domains were near the church of Saint George, surrounded by grounds
belonging to the hospital.

Exteriorly it appeared to be only a wall of enclosure, shaded by lofty
trees, and without openings. Against the horizon were seen two glittering
weathercocks surmounting two small towers arising in the midst of foliage.
Within there was, however, a vast garden diversified with winding paths,
flowery parterres, hillocks, and grottos. Here and there, scattered among
the thickets of verdure, appeared marble statues representing principally
the gods of pagan mythology. In the centre of the garden was a pond, in
which seemed to float a crowd of monstrous animals, such as dragons,
basilisks, lizards, and salamanders. It was a fountain; and when the
robinets were opened these monsters spouted the water in every direction
from their eyes and mouths.

But at the bottom of the garden and at some distance from the wall of
enclosure was an antique pavilion of gray-stone, the walls of which were
nearly covered with ivy, and which, in spite of their dark hue, presented
a very picturesque appearance.

With the exception of the small and narrow windows, which were protected
by iron bars, and the staircase of slate which gave admittance, this heavy
building presented nothing remarkable, unless it were two round turrets,
which rose above the surrounding roofs and even above the gigantic trees
in its vicinity.